CF Newborn Screening

Newborn screening is a nationwide program to screen all newborns for certain health conditions that can be treated early to prevent serious and lifelong problems. One of the conditions screened for is Cystic Fibrosis. The earlier a child is diagnosed and treatment is begun, the healthier the child will be.

To learn more about newborn screening and state specific testing, go to Baby's First Test.

In Alabama, testing is done at the only accredited CF center in Birmingham. After a positive screen is identified by the state lab, your pediatrician and the CF center is notified. Your pediatrician will contact you to notify you of the positive screen. This is only a screening test and does not always indicate the patient is affected by the disease. A follow-up visit at the CF center is required to obtain a sweat test which will usually confirm or dismiss the diagnosis. This test is generally performed when the baby is about 4 weeks of age. You will be notified of the results of your test on the same day.